Gender digital equality in ICT interventions in health : evidence from IDRC supported projects in developing countries

Also published in Community informatics, vol. 5, no. 3-4, 2009 http://ci-journal.net/index.php/ciej/article/view/526/512The most critical factor for addressing gender inequality in e-Health programs is ensuring that gender analysis is integrated into the design of e-Health initiatives. The paper explores questions of gender inequality, discussed from the perspectives of sociology of health; and in ICT4D with specific reference to e-Health projects. It investigates gender integration in IDRC supported projects in developing countries. These are evaluated to determine whether they integrate gender analysis into the design and implementation of the project, including considerations of gender and social inequality and the constraints to women and men benefiting from e-Health

Centre internship / Stagiaire au CRDI

Master's degre

Gender digital equality in ICT interventions in health: Evidence from IDRC supported projects in developing countries

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as mobile phones and the Internet are considered important instruments for advancing social and economic development throughout the world. The benefits of ICTs, however, have not been evenly distributed among individuals with different socioeconomic status. For example, few studies consider how ICTs affect men and women differently. The dearth of studies that integrate gender analysis is particularly true in the case of ICT interventions in the health sector, broadly known as e-Health. e-Health refers to the use of  ICTs in different aspects of healthcare including healthcare delivery, administration, education and communication. While there is a growing focus on the potential impact of e-Health application and practices in the developing countries, little attention is given to how the technologies can address women’s health concerns or how particular interventions affect men and women differently. The objective of this paper is to explore the gender dimensions of e-Health interventions in developing countries.  A select number of projects funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) are systematically analyzed to draw out good practices in integrating gender analysis in e-Health research projects.  We conclude by summarizing the good practices and applying them to analyze new projects to ensure gender is integrated adequately.  The paper underscores that e-Health interventions in developing countries need to better articulate the social processes of inequality that affect access and use by men and women

Women health extension workers: Capacities, opportunities and challenges to use eHealth to strengthen equitable health systems in Southern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the feasibility of female health extension workers (HEWs) using eHealth within their core duties, supporting both the design and capacity building for an eHealth system project focussed initially on tuberculosis, maternal child health, and gender equity. PARTICIPANTS: Health extension workers, Health Centre Heads, District Health Officers, Zonal Health Department and Regional Health Bureau representatives in Southern Ethiopia. SETTING: The study was undertaken in Southern Ethiopia with three districts in Sidama zone (population of 3.5 million) and one district in Gedeo zone (control zone with similar health service coverage and population density). METHODS: Mixed method baseline data collection was undertaken, using quantitative questionnaires (n = 57) and purposively sampled qualitative face-to-face semi-structured interviews (n = 10) and focus group discussions (n = 3). RESULTS: Themes were identified relating to HEW commitment and role, supervision, and performance management. The Health Management Information System (HMIS) was seen as important by all participants, but with challenges of information quality, accuracy, reliability and timeliness. Participants' perceptions varied by group regarding the purpose and benefits of HMIS as well as the potential of an eHealth system. Mobile phones were used regularly by all participants. CONCLUSION: eHealth technology presents a new opportunity for the Ethiopian health system to improve data quality and community health. Front-line female HEWs are a critical bridge between communities and health systems. Empowering HEWs, supporting them and responding to the challenges they face will be an important part of ensuring the sustainability and responsiveness of eHealth strategies. Findings have informed the subsequent eHealth technology design and implementation, capacity strengthening approach, supervision, and performance management approach